Liverpool vs Manchester United: Jurgen Klopp wary of rivals after 'big investment'

Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will not underestimate Manchester United today, warning his players that they are facing "one of the strongest" squads in Europe.

Liverpool are huge favourites to win their first Premier League title this season, with Klopp's side winning 20 of their opening 21 games to sit 13 points clear with two games in hand over second-placed Manchester City.

In contrast, United are five points off of fourth-placed Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification - though the Blues' 1-0 defeat at Newcastle yesterday offers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men to chance to close the gap.

Unfortunately for United, that chance comes at Anfield - though the Red Devils are the only Premier League side to have taken points off Liverpool this season.

While Liverpool sit 27 points ahead of United having played one game less, Klopp has warned Anfield fans that his side will still have to work hard for victory - especially given United's "big investment" in "exceptional" players.

Klopp's pre-match programme notes read: "As a fellow manager it is easy to see the progress they make, although others on the outside are often not so quick to recognise. They have recruited some exceptional players and the evolution of their squad makes them one of the strongest in Europe, I would say.

"Look at their talent from the 'keeper through to the forwards. They have world-class talent in that team and a squad full of match-winners. Big investment has resulted in a very strong group."

United signed Harry Maguire (£80m), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£50m) and Dan James (£15m) in the summer, and while the trio have all impressed in their debut seasons at Old Trafford, it is clear that Solskjaer's squad needs more quality - and, according to Klopp, time.

"Of course, looking to build something takes time," the Liverpool boss said. "We know this ourselves. But they build with outstanding results and performances as a foundation. Their win this week in the FA Cup against Wolves was yet more evidence of how dangerous they are.

"United compete in four competitions still – this says a lot about their quality. They remain with much to fight for in the League, a semi-final second leg to come in the Carabao Cup, into the fourth round of the FA Cup and the knockout stages in Europe. You cannot compete as they do in these competitions if they are not an outstanding football team.

"I have no idea how this contest has been billed externally but I also couldn’t care less. I know how we have prepared and I know the respect we will show United."

Klopp was particularly keen to point out United's 2-1 League win at champions Man City back in December. Solskjaer's side have a knack of getting big results this term - beating Chelsea (twice), Leicester City, Tottenham and Man City - but slipping up against lesser sides that sit deep.

Klopp continued: "I’m sure people will point to their brilliant win away against Manchester City. But we analyse far more – we look much deeper – and we know we face the most challenging of opponents today. If anyone thinks that win at City is the only signpost of danger, then they are silly and underestimating.

"So far this season we have done well at getting the balance right in this regard. We respect the power of our opponent, but our main focus is always on us and our strengths and our qualities."

Klopp added of those expecting an easy ride against United: "The world around us constantly speaks of conclusions and outcomes.

"This is the world we live in, but we personally don’t indulge in hypotheticals. We cannot afford to. Look beyond the next game before you play it and I promise you that the performance will suffer.​"

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